Title of Invention

A HYDROGENATION APPARATIS

Abstract The invention provides a method of magnetic resonance investigation of a sample, said method comprising: (i) reacting para-hydrogen enriched hydrogen with a hydrogenatable MR imaging agent precursor containing a non-hydrogen non-zero nuclear spin nucleus to produce a hydrogenated MR imaging agent; (ii) administering said hydrogenated MR imaging agent to said sample; (iii) exposing said sample to radiation of a frequency selected to excite nuclear spin transitions of said non-zero nuclear spin nucleus in said hydrogenated MR imaging agent; (v) detecting magnetic resonance signals of said non-zero nuclear spin nucleus from said sample; and (vi) optionally, generating an image or biological functional data or dynamic flow data from said detected signals.
Full Text FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 OF 1970]
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10, Rule 13]
"A HYDROGENATION APPARATUS"
We, AMERSHAM HEALTH AS, a Norwegian company, Nycoveien 2, 0485 Oslo, Norway,
The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-

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PARA-HYDROGEN LABELLED AGENTS AND THEIR USE IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
This invention relates to a method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in particular to non-proton magnetic resonance imaging, especially of nuclei with I (nuclear spin) = M, e.g. 13C, 15N and 29Si.
Magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic technique that has become particularly attractive to physicians as it is non-invasive and does not involve exposing the patient under study to potentially harmful radiation such as X-rays.
In order to achieve effective contrast between MR images of different tissue types, it has long been known to administer to the subject MR contrast agents (e.g. paramagnetic metal species) which affect relaxation times in the zones in which they are administered or at which they congregate. By shortening the relaxation times of the imaging nuclei (the nuclei whose MR signal is used to generate the image) the strength of the MR signal is changed and image contrast is enhanced. MR signal strength is also dependent on the population difference between the nuclear spin states of the imaging nuclei. This is governed by a Boltzmann distribution and is dependent on temperature and magnetic field strength. However, in MR imaging contrast enhancement has also been achieved by utilising the "Overhauser effect" in which an esr transition in an administered paramagnetic species is coupled to the nuclear spin system of the imaging nuclei. The Overhauser effect (also known as dynamic nuclear polarisation) can significantly increase the population difference between excited and ground nuclear spin states of the imaging nuclei and thereby amplify the MR signal intensity. Most of the Overhauser contrast agents disclosed to date are radicals which are used to effect polarisation of imaging nuclei in vivo. There is

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very little reported work on techniques which involve ex vivo polarisation of imaging nuclei prior to administration and MR signal measurement.
US-A-5617859 (Souza) discloses a magnetic resonance imaging system employing a small, high-field polarizing magnet (e.g. a 15T magnet) to polarize "a frozen material which is then warmed up and administered to a subject placed within the imaging apparatus. The material used may be water, saline, a fluorocarbon or a noble gas such as He or Xe. Since the magnetic field in the polarizing magnet is greater than that inside the imaging apparatus-and since polarization is effected at low temperature, an increased population difference between the nuclear spin states (i.e. polarization) should result in a stronger MR signal from the polarized material.
In US-A-5611340 (Souza), a somewhat similar MR imaging system is disclosed. Here however liquid hydrogen is polarized by the polarizing magnet and thereafter it is heated up and reacted with oxygen to produce polarized water which is administered to the subject. The-resulting enhanced MR signal will be an enhanced XH MR signal.
US-A-5545396 (Albert) discloses an in vivo MR imaging method in which a noble gas (e.g. 129Xe or 3He) having a hyperpolarised nuclear spin is inhaled into the lungs and a representation of its spatial distribution therein is generated. MR imaging of the human oral cavity using hyperpolarised 129Xe was also reported by Albert in J. Mag. Res., 1996: Bill, 204-207.
The use of hyperpolarised MR contrast agents in MR investigations such as MR imaging has the advantage over conventional MR techniques in that the nuclear polarisation to which the MR signal strength is proportional is essentially independent of the magnetic field strength in the MR apparatus. Currently the highest obtainable field strengths in MR imaging apparatus are about 8T, while clinical MR imaging
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apparatus are available with field strengths of about 0.2 to 1.5T. Since superconducting magnets and complex magnet construction are required for large cavity high field strength magnets, these are expensive. Using a hyperpolarised contrast agent, since the field strength is less critical it is possible to make images at all field strengths from earth field (4 0-50 /xT) up to the highest achievable fields. However there are no particular advantages to using the very high field strengths where noise from the patient begins to dominate over electronic noise (generally at field strengths where the resonance frequency of the imaging nucleus is 1 to 2 0 MHz) and accordingly the use of hyperpolarised contrast agents opens the possibility of high performance imaging using low cost, low field strength magnets.
The present invention is based on a method of MRI of a sample which relies on ex vivo nuclear polarisation of selected non-hydrogen, I>0 imaging nuclei (e.g. C, 15N and 29Si nuclei) of an MR imaging agent by reaction of a precursor to said agent with para-hydrogen enriched hydrogen gas.
Thus viewed from one aspect the present invention provides a method of magnetic resonance investigation of a sample, preferably a human or non-human animal body (e.g. a mammalian, reptilian or avian body), said method comprising:
(i) reacting para-hydrogen enriched hydrogen with a hydrogenatable MR imaging agent precursor containing a non-zero nuclear spin nucleus other than XH to produce a hydrogenated MR imaging agent;
(ii) administering said hydrogenated MR imaging agent to said sample;
(iii)exposing said sample to radiation pf a frequency selected to excite nuclear spin transitions of said nonzero nuclear spin nucleus in said hydrogenated MR imaging agent;

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(iv) detecting magnetic resonance signals of said nonzero nuclear spin nucleus from said sample; and (vi) optionally, generating an image or biological functional data or dynamic flow data from said detected signals.
The MR signals obtained in the method of the invention may be conveniently converted into 2- or 3-dimensional image data or into functional, flow or perfusion data by conventional manipulations.
Hydrogen molecules exist in two different forms, namely para-hydrogen (p-H2) where the nuclear spins are antiparallel and out of phase (the singlet .state) and ortho hydrogen (o-H2) where they are parallel or antiparallel and in phase (the triplet state) . At room temperature, the two forms exist in equilibrium with a 1:3 ratio of para:ortho hydrogen. At 8.0K the ratio is 48:52 and at 20K it approaches 100:0, i.e. 99.8:0.2. Reducing the temperature still further is not beneficial since hydrogen freezes at about 17K. The rate of equilibration is very low in pure hydrogen but in the presence of any of several known catalysts (such as Fe30„, Fe203, or activated charcoal) an equilibrium mixture is rapidly obtained and remains stable at room temperature for several hours after separation from the catalyst. Thus by "enriched hydrogen" above is meant hydrogen in which there is a higher than equilibrium proportion of para-hydrogen, for example where the proportion of para- hydrogen is more than 2 5%, preferably more than 3 0%, preferably 45% or more, more preferably 60% or more, particularly preferably 90% or more, especially preferably 99% or more. Typically the preparation of enriched hydrogen, an optional initial step in the method according to the- invention, will be carried out catalytically at low temperatures e.g. at 160K or less, preferably at 8OK or less or more preferably at about 20K.
The parahydrogen thus formed may be stored for long
^S "

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periods, preferably at l™, *-
AltemaM , . temperature, e.g. 18-20°K.
Alternatively lt may be stored ^ pressuri2ed
inner ST;"3 ^ ^—^ -d non-paramagnetic
inner surfaces, e a a r^-M
conta,noT. 9' 9°ld OT iterated polymer coated
tranSfener, Y SPeakiD9' " a ^ m°le^ is transferred to a hQst moiecuie
ydro atl (optionally ^ ^^^^ ^^^ yt s
Si relaX t0 thermal equilibri™ with the normal
time constant T, of t->,» u j
Ctvr^-n u hl"lrogen in the molecule
ol! of hy 7one second' • However du-ns «i»«"«
some of the PolariSation tey be transferred to
0 1 riD9 nUClei ^ "oss-relaxation or other types
«L ? ::ruThe presence °f* «* —- * ■* »-*-
relaxL hd ^"^^ ^"ern close to the
conveni f 9en may ^^ t0 thS Potation being
conveniently trapped in the s!owly relaxing "c nucleus.
An enhances factor of 2seo ^ ed. iri
literature (Barkemeyer et „7 ,.« T
2927 ?««) » u ' 5' J Am chem Soc 117.
certai ' ""^ " 3 Carb°n^ S»«P « -
^ cally^T""7 Carb°nS "^ haTC a T' -lax— "« typically of more than a minute
nerf ^k^™*"™ the abs7 M T li9Uid °r 9aSSOUS ^ Preferably in the absence of materials which would promote relaxation.
bj fLrat 7 PhaSS' thCT the "talySt =- bS
resL J 10D Sh' f°r eMmple' » ion-exchange
cata7st i \" S 9aS PhaSS' thOT -Paration of a solid
simp y L ! "I"' Md tte »* lma9inS a^nt formed can
simply be passed into.a suit^m^
Physiologically tolerahV "' Prefe"b1^ *
water 7 , tDlerable solvent, most preferably
water and used according to the invention
re™" the *«»«* ^vention is based on the
recognition that polari««f--i™ *
-clei, in a host mole 777 ""'f "UClei represents a means for perfo ^ hydr°3en
r°r performing ex vivo polarisation

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of an MR imaging agent prior to its administration into a subject and conventional MR imaging. The term "MR imaging agent" used herein refers to an agent containing nuclei (MR imaging nuclei) capable of emitting magnetic resonance signals. Such MR imaging nuclei are non-zero nuclear spin nuclei capable of emitting magnetic resonance signals, preferably I = M nuclei (other than hydrogen itself), such as e.g. 19F, 3Li, 1H/ 13C, 15N, 29Si or 31P nuclei, but preferably are 13C or 15N nuclei, most preferably 13C nuclei. In other words, the MR imaging agent precursor should preferably contain a non-hydrogen I = M nucleus.
The non hydrogen non zero nuclear spin nucleus in the MR imaging agent may be present in its naturally occurring isotopic abundance. However where the nucleus is a non-preponderant isotope (e.g. 13C where 12C is the preponderant isotope) it will generally be preferred ' that the content of the nucleus be enriched, ie. that it is present at a higher than normal level.
Thus viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides the use of hydrogen (e.g. para-hydrogen enriched hydrogen) in MR imaging of a sample (e.g. a human body) , preferably 13C, or 15N MR imaging of a sample.
Viewed from an alternative aspect, the invention provides the use of para-hydrogen enriched hydrogen for the manufacture of an MR imaging agent for use in a method of diagnosis involving generation of an MR image by non *H MR imaging of a human or non-human animal body.
Viewed from a still further aspect the invention provides use of a hydrogenatable compound containing a non hydrogen non-zero nuclear spin nucleus in the manufacture of an MR imaging agent for use in a method of diagnosis involving generation of an MR image by non-proton MR imaging, said manufacture involving hydrogenation of said compound with para-hydrogen enriched hydrogen.

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By imaging, it will be appreciated that not just production of two or three dimensional morphological images is covered: the images produced may be representations of the value or temporal change in value of a physiological parameter such as temperature, pH, oxygen tension, etc. Morphological images however will generally be produced.
MR imaging agent precursors suitable for use in the present invention are hydrogenatable and will typically possess one or more unsaturated bonds, e.g. double or triple carbon-carbon bonds. For in vivo imaging, the hydrogenated MR imaging agent should of course be physiologically tolerable or be capable of being presented in a physiologically tolerable form.
The MR imaging agent should preferably be strongly polarisable (for example, to a level of greater than 5%, preferably greater than 10%, more preferably greater than 25%) and have a non-hydrogen MR imaging nucleus with a long Tx relaxation time under physiological conditions, e.g. 13C, 15N or 29Si. By a long Tj relaxation time is meant that Ta is such that once polarised, the MR imaging agent will remain so for a period sufficiently long to allow the imaging procedure to be carried out in a comfortable time span. Significant polarisation should therefore be retained for at least Is, preferably for at least 60s, more preferably for at least 100s and especially preferably 1000s or longer.
There will preferably be nuclear spin:spin coupling in the imaging agent between the MR imaging nucleus and at least one of the hydrogens introduced as a result of hydrogenation with para-hydrogen. The coupling constant is preferably between 1 and 3 00 Hz, more preferably between 10 and 100 Hz. This is preferably achieved by placing the MR imaging nucleus no more than 3, more preferably no more than 2 bonds away from the para-hydrogen -derived hydrogen. Desirably the nmr signal from the MR imaging nucleus (hereinafter occasionally
-%"

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referred to as the reporter nucleus), is sharp, preferably with a linewidth (at 37°C in blood or tissue) of less than 100 Hz, more preferably less than 10 Hz, even more preferably less than 1 Hz. Accordingly, the MR imaging agent will preferably contain as few non-zero nuclear spin atoms (besides the reporter nucleus and the two protons from the p.H2) as possible which can couple with the reporter nucleus. Desirably therefore the MR imaging agent contains no more than 10, more preferably no more than 5, still more preferably no more than 2, even more preferably no more than 1, and especially preferably no non-zero nuclear spin nuclei, within 3 bonds of the reporter nucleus, and still more preferably within 4 bonds. Most preferably the only non-zero nuclear spin nuclei in the MR imaging agent are the reporter nucleus and the protons from the p.H2. Quadrupolar nuclei (e.g. 14N, 35C1 and 79Br) should preferably not be included in the MR imaging agent although they may be present in counterions or other dissolved components of a contrast medium containing the MR imaging agent. Avoidance of undesired nuclei may involve use of deuterium in place of protons in the MR imaging agent. Thus where the unsaturated bond to be hydrogenated is a C=C bond, this may desirably be in a -CD=CD- structure. In this way the polarization transfer to the reporter nucleus, e.g. 13C in a -13C-C=C- structure may be increased. The MR imaging agent should preferably be relatively small (e.g. molecular weight less than 500D, more preferably less than 300D (e.g. 50-300D) and more preferably 100 to 200D) and also preferably should be soluble in a liquid solvent or solvent mixture, most preferably in water or another physiologically tolerable solvent or solvent mixture. The MR imaging agent precursor likewise is preferably soluble in such solvents or solvent mixtures and desirably is capable of undergoing rapid catalysed1 hydrogenation, e.g. at a conversion rate of at least lg

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precursor/min using 2 mole % Qr less Qf ^ t
Furthermore, the chemical shift, or even better the coupling constant of the nmr sxgnal from the imaging nucleus in the MR imaging agent should preferably be influenced by physiological parameters (e.g. morphology,
pH, metabolism, temDer^t-nv-^
, temperature, oxygen tension, calcium
concentration, etc) . For example, rnfluence by PH can be used as a generai disease marker_ whUst influence
metabolism may be a cancer marker. Alternatively, the MR imaging agent raay conveniently be a material which is
transformed (e.g at a ra(.a „ , ^
. 9 n J-U x Tl of the reporter nucleus, preferably
no more than 1 x Tl) in the subject under study to a material in which the reporter nucleus has a different coupling constant or chemical shift. In this case the subject may be inanimate or animate, e.g. a human or animal, a cell culture, a membrane-free culture a chemical reaction medium, etc. Thus for example the reporter nucleus may provide information on the operation of the biochemical machinery of an organism where that machinery transforms the MR imaging agent and m so doing changes the chemical shift or coupling constant of the reporter nucleus. It will be appreciated that the imaging process used in this case may be an nmr spectroscopic procedure rather than (or in addition to) an imaging procedure which generates a morphological image.
The MR imaging agent should preferably be 13C or 15N enriched, particularly preferably »c enriched, in positions close to the hydrogenation site, e.g. a double or triple bond, and where relaxation is slow. Preferred MR imaging agents according to the invention also exhibit the property of low toxicity.
^ uTSrallY SPSakin9' to ^crease the MR signal from the hydrogenated MR imaging agent, it may be desirable to incorporate more than one unsaturated bond in each molecule of the precursor, e.g. in a conjugated
—"fo—

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unsaturated -system. However due consideration must be given to the need to keep molecular weight relatively low .to.prevent difficulties in administration of the agent. The presence of one or more C=C bonds in the hydrogenatable MR imaging agent precursor increases the reaction rate and may therefore be preferred. Also preferred are compounds with an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond with one or more carbonyl substituents, e.g. an ap unsaturated carbonyl. compound. Particularly preferred are compounds comprising disubstituted unsymmetric alkylene or acetylene groups with a carbonyl-unsaturation-carbonyl moiety. Such compounds are of high reactivity and may allow two or more 13C atoms to be incorporated to utilize the polarisation more efficiently.
Precursors that match as many of the above design parameters as possible have been found to form excellent MR imaging agents once reacted with parahydrogen. Such agents have both in vitro and in vivo usage.
Such MR imaging agents and their precursors which are reporter nucleus enriched, le. have greater than natural isotopic abundance of the reporter nucleus, are novel and form further aspects of the invention. Viewed from a first of these aspects the invention provides a precursor compound:
(i) containing a hydrogenatable unsaturated bond;
(ii) containing a non-hydrogen non zero nuclear spin nucleus at greater than natural isotopic abundance ,-
(iii) having a molecular weight preferably below 1000D, more preferably below 500D; and
(iv) which following hydrogenation has an nmr spectrum for said non-hydrogen non zero nuclear spin nucleus which is a multiplet having a coupling constant relative to one of the hydrogens introduced by hydrogenation of 1 to 3 00 Hz and having a linewidth of less than 100 Hz, preferably below 10 Hz, more preferably below 1 Hz.

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The hydrogenatable precursor compound of the invention preferably contains as said non-hydrogen non zero nuclear spin nucleus a I = % nucleus such as 13C, 15N or 29Si, especially 13C. Preferably it also has some or all of the desired properties discussed earlier, e.g. solubility, pavcity of other 1*0 nuclei (although these may be present in a counterion component of the compound if it is ionic), reactivity to hydrogenation, etc.
Viewed from a further aspect the invention also provides a reporter compound:
(i) containing at least two protons; (ii) containing a non-hydrogen non zero nuclear spin nucleus at greater than natural isotopic abundance;
(iii) having a molecular weight preferably below 1000D, more preferably below 500D; and
(iv) having an nmr spectrum for said non-hydrogen non zero nuclear spin nucleus which is a multiplet having a coupling constant relative to one of said at least two protons 1 to 3 00 Hz and having a linewidth of less than 100 Hz, preferably below 10 Hz, more preferably below 1 Hz.
Once again, the reporter compounds of the invention, which are obtainable by hydrogenation of the precursor compounds of the invention will desirably possess some or all of the desired properties referred to earlier, e.g. solubility, narrow linewidths, coupling constants in the 10 to 100 Hz range, coupling constant sensitivity, chemical shift sensitivity, isotopic make up, etc.
Preferred precursor compounds for MR imaging agents for use according to the invention desirably contain the following molecular sub-units:
(i) at least one C=C or C=C bonds; (ii) a C, N or Si atom separated by one or two bonds from a C=C or CHC bond, bound only to atoms the naturally most abundant isotope form of which has a
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nuclear spin 1=0, and not coupled by a series of covalent bonds to any atoms the naturally most abundant isotopic form of which has I > %; and
(iii) at least one water-solubilizing moiety, ie. a functional group which imparts water solubility to the molecule, e.g.. hydroxyl, amine or oxyacid (e.g. carboxyl) groups.
Correspondingly, preferred MR imaging agents for use according to the invention desirably contain the following molecular sub-units:
(i) at least one GH-CH or CH=CH moiety; (ii) a C, N or Si atom separated by one or two bonds from a CH-CH or CH=CH moiety, bound only to atoms the naturally most abundant isotopic form of which has I = 0, and not coupled by a series of covalent bonds to any atoms the naturally most abundant isotopic form of which has I > %; and
(iii) at least one water-solubilizing moiety, ie. a functional group which imparts water solubility to the molecule, e.g. hydroxyl, amine or oxyacid (e.g. carboxyl) groups.
While compounds meeting these criteria can be used according to the invention without enrichment in 13C, l5N or 29Si, it is preferred that they be enriched and in particular that there be such isotopic enrichment of the atoms defined by criterion (ii).
Specifically preferred hydrogenatable MR imaging agent precursors for use in the method of the invention include simple unsaturated acids (e.g. acrylic acid, crotonic acid, propionic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid and HOOC.OC.COOH) , especially where a carboxyl carbon separated by two or more favourably one bond from the unsaturated bond is 13C or 13C enriched,
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°v0H V0H
HO^S)
unsaturated quaternary carbon compounds where the quaternary carbon is separated by two or more preferably one bond from the unsaturated bond and preferably where the quaternary carbon is 13C or 13C enriched, e.g.

OH

HO ^OH

on



/

OH

OH

OH

OH
compounds with more than one hydrogenation site such as



w
HO'
0. _0H



HOOC.
XOOH
^ T X
COOH

especially where a carbon separated by two or more preferably one bond from an unsaturated bond is 13C or 13C enriched and other compounds such as:

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o
HOOC-'N, MHI NH3
COOH
,COOH NH2
/—°"
HOOC
;OOH
COOH ~M=CH-0

and




(wh

ere R, is


R3 is alkyl, hydroxyalkyl am CONHR2 and R2 ifi a conv7 '. amin°' ^roxyl etc, R is
to be useful in x r°nVentl0nal hydrophilic group known
^ain or branched C^ ^T** "^ SUCh 3S a ^aight
Sroup. optionaliy with 1 9r°UP' preferably * ^
-placed by oxygen or nT °* ^ ^ °r CH m°letieS
substituted by one or ^^ at°mS and °Ptionally
^roxy, amino, carboxyTlLTr ^^ ^ °X°'
sulphur and phosphorus atoms) ' ^ °X° SUbstituted
Part.^laTttl" ^*^s have »c at one
^tion, in a" a " "" '^ ^ P^icular
*' -i-n an amount i n ,-,
abundance, i e ahn, u 6XCess of the natural
' x-e above about is- n *
carbon position will hav J°' *referablY such * single
ve 5* or more i3C/ particularl

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- 15 -Preferably 10* or more, especially preferably 25% or
prerfe:rT 6SPeClallY PrSferably 5°% - ^e, even .ore preferably m excess of 99% (eg 99.9%).
bv f ^ f1 theSS ^^enatable compounds represented by formulae herein, protons (H, are preferably replaced by deuterons, except perhaps protons which are labile on dissolution (e.g. carboxyl protons).
rn In addition' compounds which on hydrogenation yield
compounds which are or a™ a -, y
are or are analogous to naturally occurring biomolecules (e a *m . (e-g- amino acids, metabolites,
neurotransmitters P(-„i
' et°' are P^sible MR imaging agent Precursors for use in the method of ^ ^JJ
be inr StUdiES ^ MOChemlMl "actions, it may'also be -terestxng to use succinic acid („hich occurs in the
"C a"d CyCle) ' especlaUy »c enriched succinic
13
COOH
P-H2
13,
P-H2
COOH
13,
dt-lQ :
c
catalyst
COOH
COOH catalyst
Maleic acid
COOH
COOH Succinic acid
P-H2
catalyst

13

COOH

HOOC'
Fumaric acid

natu.T StUdleS °f Pep"de/P^ein synthesis, whether
natural or artificial
11QO . Cia1' Xt may likewise be interesting to
use a no ^^ ^ ^ ^^ *
P-H2 catalyst

COOH NH2
,13,
carbon Y carbon unsaturated bond, especially where the carboxyl carbon is 13c enriched.
HOO
-16'

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16 -


H?n
catalyst


H2N0"C^^ ^COOH ^
NH2 catalyst

H2N013C^^v^COOH NH2 Glutamine

^z^^res and nit~s - —
suitable for «„ ^ a9ents aM Particularly
cerise a rino ep°rter ™Clei as »« compounds wnrcn ex^le of a 4 ""^ ^^ *eterocyole. One choline, whlch is bP°Ter nUClSUS ima9in9 a96nt 1S *^ -ed to St4 m ab He91"117 m°dified Ma S° ray ^
■»y ^ ProdJed byp 1ChrCeSSes- TWs ima9ins a9ent
ethnically or ^1^^ ^
Preferably ones enrioL n ^ ^^^ P—sors,


H'
OAc Acetyl choline
15,
NMe3+ ^s/OAc
15,
ft
H
H
NMe,
OAc

catalyst

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-. 17 -
ver,/1^^36 amln° aCWS' -P-«"y deuterated
r"S ere°f ^ ^ US6d as -h"les for »». silane for f9^COne °°mPOUnds »y similarly be used as vehxcles
Due to their biotolerability, compounds with
ly aTsTb CarbOM ^ ^ *"*»*• Clonic compounds
may also be used e rr
/e.g. quaternary ammonium salts. One especially preferred hydrogenatable or
este7:hnatr.MR lma9ln9 a9ent 1S -le- -id ^thyl
dicar^r " thS hydr°^ati- P«duct of acetylene dxcarboxylxc acid dimethyl ester
Another useful MR imaging agent would be
iTadva't' ^ ^^ M *—ated methxon.ne precursor 7 a^nta^3ly be used as the precursor compound.
H2Q3P-S-
-C15N
H03S-^^_C15N
comno , lntSreStln9 Precursors include acetylenic compounds such as the following
HOOC—==_cisN



COOR

Hoo13c zr -01





COOR
COOR

COOR

~\%'

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- 18 -where R iQ U ^ ^
" OX" P all T
-iphone or snlpCide Y ^ R" iS h^°^al,yl, or a
P-cur^U I"! hydrOSenat^ ™ ^ng agent
a suitable c-talv T^ hydr°9enation in the presence of
or pressure The W °Pti0nally at ele™ted temperature
""hod of the Ll " 9ena"0n Catal^St -ed in the
tiie invention need nnt K. U
catalyst but d ■' a homo9eneous
"Olecule shouid'bTtl7'?"3"011 Che Snti~ h^ogen
*- exa^es of c.^"^ °» ^
criterion are shown in x^^-^ ^ '° fU"" ^
Table l _ Hydrogenation cat,,, .
catalysts that transfer dlhydrogen to a doubie ^ ^^^ ^
Catalyst ~ [~ : 1 ,
Synonym „ t 1 r' I
Water Comment
\, ' 1 . Solubility
(pph3)Rhci T^~ h— H -
Wilkinson's
I II Active when
I catalyst
I III bound to zeolite
I f(NBD)Rh (12A>
I (Amphos)J^ I + Cationic
I (TPPMS)3RhCl I .
I (HEXNa)2RhCl I • |+ Anionic
I (OCTNa)2Rhci I + Anionic
IrCl (CO) (pph3) + Anionic
,u. Vasca-s complex I -
(b1Cyclo[2.2.1]hep
I ta-2,s-diene) [1,4- I I
bis(diphenylphosph |
J ino)butane] I I
I rhodium(I) I I
(_^f5^£^ioroborate I

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19 -



COONa
TPPMS
N(CH3)3
Amphos



NBD = Norbomadiene

It has been found that rhodium catalysts are particularly useful in the hydrogenation step, most particularly those rhodium catalysts comprising phosphine groups.
The reaction mechanism of hydrogenation of ethylene with Wilkinson's catalyst is shown by way of example in Figure 2. Reversibility of reaction is found to be low with such catalysts containing cyclic phosphines.
A further catalytic cycle is shown by way of example in Figure 3. The oxidative addition of enriched hydrogen to the catalyst is generally an equilibrium step which means that certain catalysts will also interconvert p-H2 and o-H2. It is therefore desirable that the chosen hydrogenatable MR imaging agent precursor is highly reactive.
It is highly desirable to carry out the hydrogenation step in a very low magnetic field. Preferably this very low magnetic field is lower than the magnetic field of the earth itself, that is lower
■r-~)j\ ^~

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20
than 50 „T, more pre£erab
Preferably less chan 2 Y l8SS than 10 &■ even more
0.3 tolfT it i S'9' ° t0 l ^T' especially
"elds using, for ^Selbl* t0 Create s-h low magnetic
magnetic shielding f CO™«cially available
^e magnetic field on trheeXrPle ""meta1' "* e"eCt of -porter nucleus (i„ ^ ^ £ ^"i-ion of a
Figure l. a C nucleus) is shown in
It will be apparent that t-h ^ of the hydrogenated MR imag" '^ **"« °f s°lub"^ "Pidly lt can be disso;;eadg79 afnt -ill determine how -^eauently administered d in administrate media and Perked in ague0 It?;"0" *
- *» U» invention should :pderPar:el;fed "^ *"
and conveniently not facil> efficiently in water
atoms between water and M, * ^ EXChan9e °f hydrogen
«- Polarisation is Jj£ W^ h7dr°9en' OU~"1" -diu catalyst is one pjferred elmpT ^
In order to facilitate raoid « and hydrogenated MR imaqina pld seV*^on of catalyst
"« catalyst may pre e:a9biny ^ '"«
on a solid material e q ^ "'"' 1S in™-ed
allows the catalyst-bound sold™? material "^
filtered off aft~ material to be rapidly
the present method IncTudTc tT" e*™pleS Ussf^ for
to a support or adsorbed onTlllT ^^^ lioted
An alternative wav t-n
aqueous solution is to rl T™ "^^ ^ «
of a water-soluble catalyst """^ " "" P"aenoe
*ich may then be remov£d ,e-9' a rhodiun, catalyst)
exchange resin or anv „,-,, titration through an ion-
retain the catalys, Lr'rf S°" °f '"«=« "at can
^ preferred case of a ^ ^ ^^ '° *"»" In
"ay be carried out thro * catalyst, filtration
-rticular^preferr^;;;::!-^9^-
*±Ysts are cationic rhodium

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-"n :r;:trta-ims tr— *— - -
problem of HTD UlS ^ theref°re aTOid
use of an L e f^1^' °- such embedment makes
as rorcmRho^phoV^ "I1" b°und cationic
anionic or neutral , a - oPPoSlt::::d r^:; °btained-in °-
catalysts but these arr6emay °f COUrse b* >»ed for anionic
-tra! catalyst!;" ~ ^ J- — ■ A
agent by raaJcing use of Dh °™ "" MR ^S^
^pophiiicity. Por :iPhr charact-is«- »•«* as
Wilkinsons LtalJt P!' ' '^^ «talyst (e.g.
such as water/cx I!"7 * "^ " 3 ^^ S>—
Hydrogenation may tal^ ^i
non-a^ueous media in LT^r/*™"^"813' ^ 3
insoluble (i.e. from wh I^^r " ^ ^"^ '"
increased Tl of the SoUdME Ja™C1Pltate8> ' Ihe
time for isolatio . waging agent allows more
adminiStr:b a:;rit— «•■«*»«- -«
-th the MR imagi;9 agenTDrr°9enati0n ^ *^° ^ *™ non-aoueous medla L^th ' ^ lnS°1UWe ^ possible to increase rl ^""^ "^ " ^ aS non-ao.eous -^.^! ^ —" ^ »" °f magnetically acti^ nucleT 7 Bed" W"h — supercritical conditZ! j;'9; ^ " ^ ^ Polarisation loss fro ' ^^S^"^ -duces and allows the use of P°larised MR Paging agent
Viewed f an eXtended ranSe °f catalysts, viewed from another asDect n,„ ■
apparatus for ^-ro^^^^™'"- "^
said :e::i0r:h:::i:;;;- therein'a — —
outlet; 9 a 9as inlet and a gas
a temperature cnnt-T-^n —ure in said ^"J^ '° ^^ ""
«~ Xa^?9 a™ ^ »" ™
-%>-■
' t0 Cause the magnetic field in said

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reaction zone to be less than 10 //T, preferably less than 1 //T.
The reaction chamber will conveniently be disposed within a generally cylindrical //-metal shield. This shield preferably has several concentric layers, e.g. a //-metal layer of relatively high permittivity surrounded by a demagnetizing layer, e.g. of copper foil, and in turn surrounded by one or more layers of //-metal of lower permittivity than the inner layer. The inner //-metal layer is preferably of fi-metal of the highest available permittivity.
At each axial end, the cylindrical magnetic shield preferably extends in its axial direction beyond the reaction zone by at least the internal diameter of the shield. Although a circular cross-section is preferred, the cylindrical shield may be non-circular in cross -section, e.g. elliptical or polygonal, for example hexagonal. Where the cross-section is non-circular, the axial extension beyond the reaction zone is preferably by at least the minimum internal "diameter" (e.g. face to face spacing for a hexagonal cross section) but more preferably by at least the maximum internal diameter (e.g. corner to corner spacing for a hexagonal cross section).
The reaction zone may be for example comprise a bed of beads through which hydrogen may flow upwards from a lower gas inlet and through which a solution containing hydrogenatable precursor and hydrogenation catalyst may pass down to be removed from the reaction chamber through a lower product outlet. Alternatively, the beads may have the catalyst immobilized thereon so that the product solution is catalyst free and may be in a form ready to use. The beads are preferably formed from paramagentic material free polymer, glass or silica or are of a non-magnetic metal. Selection of bead size (e.g. 0.5 to 5mm diameter, preferably 2mm), bed depth and choice of direction of hydrogen flow will determine
13

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the duration of the reaction (generally 10 to 60 sec). The preferred duration.and bed depth can be determined by routine experimentation for the selected precursor/catalyst combination.
The temperature controller will conveniently be a heating/cooling jacket disposed about the reaction zone portion of the reaction chamber and within the shield. Preferably the materials used are non magnetic. A water- or gas-jacket is generally appropriate. A temperature sensor may be disposed in or adjacent the reaction zone if desired.
Conveniently, the reaction chamber has a precursor .solution inlet above the reaction zone and an MR imaging agent solution outlet below the reaction zone. Thus in operation using this embodiment the following actions are performed:
a source of pH2 enriched hydrogen is attached to the gas•inlet;
the reaction chamber is flushed with the enriched hydrogen;
water of the desired temperature is flowed through the water-jacket;
a quantity of a solution, preferably a sterile aqueous solution, of the precursor compound is introduced into the reaction chamber and into a particulate bed through which the enriched, hydrogen is flowing upwardly; and
the solution passing out of the bed is withdrawn from the reaction chamber, optionally after reversal of hydrogen flow direction to drive the solution out of the bed.
Where the catalyst is not immobilized on the particles of the bed, it will generally be included in the precursor solution, either in dissolved or particulate or supported form. If desired the catalyst may be removed from the product solution, e.g. by precipitation and/or filtration or by passage over a
-2M-

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material (e.g. an ion exchange column or lipophilic surface) which has affinity for the catalyst.
Catalyst removal clearly depends on the nature of the catalyst, the precursor, the MR imaging agent and whether the subject to be imaged is a living human or animal or not. Thus for inanimate subjects, catalyst removal may be unnecessary. In one embodiment a hydrogenation catalyst soluble in a solvent that is imiscible with water is used and the hydrogenation reaction is carried out in water with a substrate that is soluble in organic solvents but has a distribution constant that favours water. The substrate is extracted into water that is injected i.v. In another embodiment a water-soluble polymer bound hydrogenation catalyst is used and the hydrogenation reaction is performed in water with a water-soluble substrate. The catalyst is removed by filtration prior to i.v. injection. In a. third embodiment a solid polymer-bound hydrogenation catalyst is used and the hydrogenation reaction is performed in water with a water-soluble substrate. The catalyst is removed by filtration prior to i.v. injection. In a fourth embodiment a solid polymer-bound hydrogenation catalyst is used and the hydrogenation reaction is performed in water with a water-soluble substrate. The catalyst is removed by filtration prior to i.v. injection.
The withdrawal of the product solution is preferably by passage through a valve into the barrel of a syringe. The syringe may then be used to administer the MR imaging agent, e.g. by injection into a human or animal subject. The inner walls of the syringe and indeed of any apparatus components contacted by the hydrogenated MR imaging agent are preferably substantially free of paramagnetic (and ferro and ferrimagne'tic) materials. Likewise the period of contact of the MR imaging agent with any surfaces between hydrogenation and administration should
>'

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preferably be kept to a minimum.
In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the invention comprises:
(i) a reservoir of enriched hydrogen, preferably cooled, e.g. to liquid form;
(ii) a reaction chamber having a- reaction zone containing a particulate bed and having a first gas inlet below said bed, a first gas outlet above said bed, a solution inlet above said bed and a solution outlet below said bed, and preferably a second gas inlet above said bed and optionally a second gas outlet below said bed (optionally since the solution outlet may function as a gas outlet);
(iii) a gas conduit from said reservoir to said first gas inlet in the reaction chamber, optionally provided with a heater to raise the temperature of gas flowing therethrough, and optionally provided with a valve to direct gas flow to said second gas inlet rather than to said first gas inlet;
(iv) a temperature controller, e.g. a water or gas jacket, disposed around said reaction chamber at at least said reaction zone; and
(v) a magnetic shield disposed around said reaction chamber at at least said reaction zone.
The inlets and outlets to the reaction chamber are each preferably provided with a valve or if appropriate a septum and means for attaching vessels, e.g. the hydrogen reservoir, a syringe for receiving the MR imaging agent, a syringe containing the precursor solution, and reservoirs for receiving exhaust hydrogen (for recycling).
Such an apparatus may be set up near the MR. imaging apparatus, e.g. so that the imaging agent may be manufactured "on-site" using reservoirs of pH2 enriched hydrogen supplied from the, normally distant, location where the enriched hydrogen was prepared.
Alternatively, the apparatus may be arranged for a
-U"

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gas phase reaction with precursor and hydrogen being introduced into the reaction zone in gas form and with the exhaust gas being cooled to separate hydrogen (which will remain gaseous), precursor, MR imaging agent, and, the hydrogenation catalyst. With different boiling points, the imaging agent, precursor and if appropriate, the catalyst may be collected separately and removed for optional formulation (e.g. dissolution in an appropriate liquid medium) and administration in the case of the MR imaging agent and for recycling or subsequent reuse in the case of other components. The catalyst could be ■ immobilized on a surface (e.g. the surface of beads in a bed or of capillaries in a bundle of parallel capillaries) or could be included in the gas flow as a gas or as entrained droplets or particles. To ensure adequate progression of the reaction, the reaction zone could be arranged in a spiral or the like within the magnetic shield and the reaction can be performed at elevated temperature and pressure. Apparatus comprising shielding, reaction chamber, temperature controller, gas inlets, MR imaging agent separator (e.g. a condenser) and gas outlet arranged for performing the hydrogenation in the gas phase forms a further aspect of the invention.
In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the polarised (hydrogenated) MR imaging agent may be stored at low temperature e.g. in frozen form. Generally speaking, at low temperatures the polarisation is retained longer and thus polarised MR imaging agents .may conveniently be stored e.g. in liquid nitrogen. Prior to administration, the MR imaging agent may be rapidly warmed to physiological temperatures using conventional techniques such as infrared or microwave radiation.
Viewed from a further aspect the invention provides a physiologically tolerable MR imaging agent composition comprising an MR imaging agent together with one or more
~X]

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physiologically tolerable carriers or excipients, said imaging agent containing nuclei of a non-hydrogen I=% isotope (e.g. ljC, 15N or 29Si) , preferably at a higher than natural abundance, characterised in that said nuclei are polarized such that their nmr signal intensity is equivalent to a signal intensity achievable in a magnetic field of at least 0.1T, more preferably at least 25T, particularly preferably at least 100T, especially preferably at least 45GT, e.g. at 21°C in the same composition-. Preferably the composition is sterile and is stable at a physiologically tolerable temperature (e.g. at l'0-40°C) .
Polarization is given by the equation
= /va-/vp A/a+A/p
which at equilibrium is equal to
1 -exp(-\*BJkT} 1+.exp(-Y*B0/fcT)
where Na is the number of spins in nuclear spin state a (e.g. +%) i
Np is the number of spins in nuclear spin state (3 (e.g. -fc);
y is the magnetogyric ratio for the isotopic nucleus in question, e.g. 13C) ; . ..
ti is Planck's constant divided by 2n;
B0 is the magnetic field;
k is Boltzmann's constant; and
T is temperature in kelvin.
Thus P has a maximum value of 1 (100% polarization) and a minimum value of 0 (0% polarization) . For 13C the maximum polarization obtainable by the low-field para-
~2
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hydrogen hydrogenation method corresponds to about 0.5 MT.
Given that the method of the invention should be carried out within the time that the MR imaging agent remains significantly polarised, once hydrogenation has occurred and if-desired or necessary the catalyst has been removed, it is desirable for administration of the MR imaging agent to be effected rapidly and for the MR measurement to follow shortly thereafter. This means that the sample (e.g. body or organ) should be available close to the area in which the polarisation has been carried out. If this is not possible, the material should be transported to the relevant area at low temperature.
The preferred administration route for the MR imaging agent is parenteral, e.g. by bolus injection, by intravenous or intra-arterial injection or, where the lungs are to be imaged, by spray, e.g. by aerosol spray. Oral and rectal administration may also be used.
Where the MR imaging nucleus is other than a proton (e.g. 13C) , there will be essentially no interference from background signals (the natural abundance of 13C, 15N, 29Si etc. being negligible) and image contrast will be advantageously high. Thus the method according to the invention has the benefit of being able to provide significant spatial weighting to a generated image. In effect, the administration of a polarised MR imaging agent to a selected region of a sample (e.g. by injection) means that the contrast effect is, in general, localised to that region. The precise effect of course depends on the extent of biodistribution over the period in which the MR imaging agent remains significantly polarised. In general,, specific body volumes (i.e. regions of interest such as the vascular system) into which the MR imaging agent is administered may be defined with improved signal to noise properties of the resulting images in these volumes.
--2H

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Moreover, the y~factor of carbon is about lA of the y_factor for hydrogen resulting in a Larmor frequency of about 10 MHz at 1 T. The rf-absorption in a patient is consequently and advantageously less than in XH imaging. A further advantage of MR imaging agents containing polarised 13C nuclei is the ability to utilise large changes in chemical shift in response to physiological changes, e.g. pH or temperature.
In one preferred embodiment, a "native image" of the sample (e.g. body) may be generated to provide structural (e.g. anatomical) information upon which the image obtained in the method according to the invention may be superimposed. Such a native image is generally not available where the imaging nucleus is I3C due to the low natural abundance of 13C in the body. Thus the native image may be conveniently obtained as a proton MR image in an additional step to the method of the invention.
The MR imaging agent may be conveniently formulated with conventional pharmaceutical or veterinary carriers or excipients. MR imaging agent formulations manufactured or used according to this invention may contain, besides the' MR imaging agent, formulation aids such as are conventional for therapeutic and diagnostic compositions in human or veterinary medicine but will be clean, sterile and free of paramagnetic, superparamagnetic, ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic contaminants. Thus the formulation may for example include stabilizers, antioxidants, osmolality adjusting agents, solubilizing agents, emulsifiers, viscosity enhancers, buffers, etc. Preferably none of such formulation aids will be paramagnetic,
superparamagnetic, ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic. The formulation may be in forms suitable for parenteral (e.g. intravenous or intraarterial) or enteral (e.g. oral or rectal) application, for example for application directly into body cavities having external voidance ducts (such as■the lungs, the' gastrointestinal tract,
-3c

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the bladder and the uterus), or for injection or infusion into the cardiovascular system. However solutions, suspensions and dispersions in physiological tolerable carriers (e.g. water) will generally be preferred.
For use in in vivo imaging, the formulation, which preferably will be substantially isotonic, may conveniently be administered at a concentration sufficient to yield a 1 micromolar to IM concentration of the MR imaging agent in the imaging zone; however the precise concentration and dosage will of course depend upon a range of factors such as toxicity, the organ targeting ability of the MR imaging agent, and the administration route. The optimum concentration for the MR imaging agent represents a balance between various factors. In general, optimum concentrations would in most cases lie in the range 0.ImM to 10M, especially 0.2mM to IM, more especially 0.5 to 500mM. Formulations for intravenous or intraarterial administration would preferably contain the MR imaging agent in concentrations of lOmM to 10M, especially 50mM to 500 mM. For bolus injection the concentration may conveniently be 0.ImM to 10M, preferably 0.2mM to 10M, more preferably 0.5mM to IM, still more preferably 1. OmM to 500mM, yet still more preferably lOmM to. 300mM.
Parenterally adrninistrable forms should of course be sterile and free from physiologically unacceptable agents and from paramagnetic, superparamagnetic, ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic contaminants, and should have low osmolality to minimize irritation or other adverse effects upon administration and thus the formulation should preferably be isotonic or slightly hypertonic. Suitable vehicles include aqueous vehicles customarily used for administering parenteral solutions such as Sodium Chloride solution, Ringer's solution, Dextrose solution, Dextrose and Sodium Chloride solution, Lactated Ringer's solution and other solutions
-3>
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such as are described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 15th ed. , Easton: Mack Publishing Co., pp. 1405-1412 and 1461-1487 (1975) and The National Formulary XIV, 14th ed. Washington: American Pharmaceutical Association (1975). The compositions can contain preservatives, antimicrobial agents, buffers and antioxidants conventionally used for parenteral solutions, excipients and other additives which are compatible with the MR imaging agents and which will not interfere with the manufacture, storage or use of the products.
Where the MR imaging agent is to be injected, it may be convenient to inject simultaneously at a series of administration sites such that a greater proportion of the vascular tree may be visualized before the polarisation is lost through relaxation. Intra-arterial injection is useful for preparing angiograms and intravenous injection for imaging larger arteries and the vascular tree.
The dosages of the MR imaging agent used according to the method of the present invention will vary according to the precise nature of the MR imaging agents used, of the tissue or organ of interest and of the measuring apparatus. Preferably the dosage should be kept as low as possible whilst still achieving a detectable contrast effect. Typically the dosage will be approximately 10% of LD50/ eg in the range 1 to lOOOmg/ kg, preferably 2 to 500mg/kg, especially 3 to 300mg/kg. Once the MR imaging agent has been administered to the subject, the chosen procedures for detecting MR signals are that which is well known from conventional MR scanning. It is advantageous to use fast single shot imaging sequences e.g. EPI, RARE or FSE.
In conventional 'H-nmr imaging, the polarization which is responsible for the MR signal derives from the equilibrium polarization at the magnetic field of the primary magnet of the MR imaging apparatus. After an
-3>

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imaging sequence, this polarization (the magnetization in the z direction) is recovered by T2 relaxation. By-contrast where the MR signal derives from hyperpolarization of the reporter nuclei (e.g. 13C, 3He, 129Xe, 15N, 29Si, etc), the hyperpolarization cannot be recovered and the MR signal following a 90° RF pulse must be recovered by a train of 180° RF pulses.
Where however the hyperpolarization results from hydrpgenation with parahydrogen the magnetization in the z direction is split into two populations with opposite signs (polarities) of magnetization, +M0 and -M0. In a preferred imaging sequence, after an 90° RF pulse, the 180° RF refocussing pulses should be timed such that the two components are parallel (in phase) at the echo time. This can be achieved by an initial delay of ST + i between the 90° RF pulse and the first 18 0° RF refocussing pulse with the subsequent 18 0° RF pulses occurring at a time separation TE = 2x. AT here has the value 1/ (2J) . where J is the coupling constant for the reporter nucleus. A total of N 180° RF pulses will be required where N is the image matrix size in the phase-encoding direction. Signal detection occurs between the 180° RF pulses. ' Due to the coupling constant J, there are limitations on the length of the sampling time - if unwanted modulations, and hence ghosting in the phase direction of the image are to be avoided, the sampling time should not exceed 1/ (4J) . Typically the sampling time will be 1 to 8 ms. The inter-echo time should . exceed the sampling time as little as technically possible to ensure maximum signal to noise. A schematic illustration of this imaging sequence is shown in Figure 9. .
In a standard CPMG-sequence, the 180° RF pulses are phase shifted n/2 relative to the 90° RF pulse, e.g. 90°x - 180°y - 18 0°y - ...; this arrangement is preferred for the imaging sequence described above.
Thus using an initial focussing delay makes it
-11

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feasible to image a contrast agent with two anti parallel resonance lines as would be achieved by hydrogenation with para-hydrogen.
In an alternative approach, the problem can be addressed by applying 180° RF pulses (180° RFH) at the proton frequency simultaneously with the 180° RF pulses (180° RFX) at the reporter nucleus frequency. The effect of the 18 0° RFH pulse is to change the sign of the J-coupling so that this is not refocussed by the 180° RFX pulse. The■echo signals from the two magnetization components will progressively begin to reinforce rather than cancel each other out and after sufficient such 180° RFH and 180° RFX pulses, the two magnetization components will be parallel (in phase) . Thereafter no further 18 0° RFH pulses are required. The two components +M0 and -M0 will be in phase after time T = 1/(2J) . If the spacing between the 180° RFH pulses is 2x then the nubmer of 180° RFH pulses required is n where 2ni = l/(2J), ie. n = l/4Jx) . i can be selected such that n is an integral number. Alternatively put, TE is set to l/(2nJ) .
In a standard CPMG-sequence, the 180° RF pulses are phase shifted n/2 relative to the 90° RF pulse. In the imaging sequence discussed above, which is a derivative of a RARE sequence, the 180° RFX pulses are of the same phase as the. 90° RFX pulse.
Using this sequence, illustrated schematically in Figure 17, the longitudinal magnetization is turned to the xy plane by a single 90° RFX pulse at the beginning of the sequence. Thus the full magnetization of the hyperpolarized reporter nuclei is available for generating an image. Compared to sequences using a train of low flip angle RF pulses the gain in signal to noise is approximately an order of magnitude. Moreover a signal may be obtained from a system with two antiparallel resonance lines, without need for asymmetric echoes (ie. where spin echoes and gradient
■3
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echoes are not aligned). This is advantageous since the use of asymmetric echoes makes the imaging sequence sensitive to magnetic field inhomogeneities and results in image artefacts.
Where a sequence based on a gradient echo pulse . sequence and ultra low flip angles for RF pulses, the most commonly used sequence for hyperpolarized noble gases, is used for para-hydrogen hyperpolarized reporter nuclei, an echo time TE of 1/(2J) is required, resulting in a total acquisition time of N/2J where N is the image matrix sign. Where n 180° RFH pulses are used to change the size of the J coupling and prevent refocussing of the J-coupling, the echo time is l/(2nJ) and the image acquisition time N/(2nJ) , ie. a reduction-by a factor of n. This reduction in scan time is beneficial as it reduces the signal loss due to T2 relaxation. By way of example if the matrix size is 256 and the J-coupling is 25 Hz then the scan time for a single slice is more than 5s if a gradient echo sequence is used. Where the imaging sequence of Figure 9 is used, the total acquisition time is N (2i) , which, depending on the imager, can be reduced to for example 0.5 to 2.5 seconds. By using the RARE-derivative sequence of Figure 17 discussed above, the scan time can be reduced to 2.5s (n=2) or 1.7s (n=3) , etc. (RARE -sequences and sequences used in imaging hyperpolarized gases are described by Hennig et al. in Magn. Reson. Med 3.: 823-833 (1986) and Zhao et al. in Nucl. Instrum. and Meth. in Phys. Res. A402: 454-460 (1998)).
The method of the invention may also be used for XH magnetic resonance imaging using the hydrogen hyperpolarisation introduced by para-hydrogen hydrogenation of an unsaturated bond. Here, imaging sequences which bring into phase the +Mo and -Mo magnetisation components are desirably used and the unsaturated bond is desirably between atoms which remain bonded together in the resulting MR imaging agent.
-ir-

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The contents of all publications referred to 'herein are hereby incorporated by reference.
Embodiments of the invention are described further with reference to the following non-limiting Examples . and the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a plot of polarization enhancement of reporter nuclei (in an AA'x spin system with J12 = 10.65 Hz, J13 = 0.3 Hz and J23 = 15.5 Hz) against the magnetic field strength at which hydrogenation with para-hydrogen enriched hydrogen occurs;
Figures 2 and 3 are reaction schemes for catalysed hydrogenation of precursor compounds;
Figure 4, is a diagram of a phantom;
Figures 5 to 7 are simulated MR images of the phantom of Figure 4;
Figure 8 is a schematic representation of apparatus according to the invention for hydrogenation in a magnetically shielded reaction zone;
Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a RARE derivative imaging sequence;
Figures 10 and 11 are 13C MR images of the rat stomach;
Figure 12 is a 2H-MR image of the rat stomach;
Figure 13 shows a superposition of a 13C-MR image of the rat stomach on a *H MR image of the same;
Figure 14 is a 13C-MR image obtained using a standard RARE-sequence of a phantom containing a constrast agent containing 13C at natural abundance and hydrogenated by para-hydrogen at low (microtesla) field;
Figure 15 is an image corresponding to that of Figure 12 but where hydrogenation was effected atearth field;
Figure 16 is an image corresponding to that of Figure 12 but where hydrogenation was effected atearth field and where the imaging sequence used is a modified RARE-derivative as discussed above; and
Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of a modified
06-

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RARE imaging sequence.
Referring to Figure 8, the hydrogenation apparatus 1 comprises a generally cylindrical glass reaction chamber 2, e.g. of 5 to 50 mm internal diameter, containing a bed 3 of glass beads defining a reaction zone and surrounded by thermostatted water jacket 4 having inlet 4a and outlet 4b and four-layer magnetic shield 5. The reaction chamber is closed at the top by a rubber septum 7 and is provided with an outlet valve 8 at its base. A para-hydrogen source (not shown) is attached to a gas conduit 9 which can lead into the reaction chamber above or below bed 3 depending on the position of valve 10. During hydrogenation, para-hydrogen may be vented from the reaction chamber through valve 11 and outlet 12. Precursor compound and catalyst may be introduced into the reaction chamber using a syringe 13 with a needle capable of piercing the septum. Before use, water at'42°C is circulated through the water jacket for at least 10 minutes. Valve 11 is opened, and valve 10 is put in position to allow para-hydrogen flow into the reaction chamber through the lower (14) of inlets 14 and 15. Valve 8 is closed. Flow of para-hydrogen is commenced. A flow of 13 0 mL/min is suitable where the reaction chamber internal diameter is 15 mm and the beads are 3 mm diameter. A.fter 3 0 seconds, a solution of precursor and catalyst may be injected through septum 7. After the hydrogenation reaction is completed, e.g. after 40 seconds, valve 10 is moved to direct para-hydrogen flow into the reaction chamber through upper inlet 15, valve 8 is opened and valve 11 is closed. The solution passing out through valve 8 is collected.
EXAMPLE 1
An experiment was carried out to compare the expected SNR in (1) He-images generated using helium at 1 atra in lung tissue, (2) 13C-images generated using
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hyperpolarised H2 and m
Photon images All "stand^d» contrast enhanced
^1-sin.ulation softwa^ev'!^ "" ^^ ^
in Malmd Sweden Th ^ ^ NyCOrned Innovation
the k-space formalist (Pel?'1" ^^ 1S baSed °n Paging, 11: 55?_5 (^te«son et al. , 1993, Mag. Res.
descrlptl0n (Petersson^ ^ ^ d™^
iS: 451-467) of th« ■ ' Mag" Res • Imagin,
u f the lm^e formation in mi
A mathematically d f ™L
Figure 4 was used to i * Phant°m Wording to assumed to be in a b l^ ^ Calculations- The 13C was -gneti2ation was rai°seUdS taQnd ^ ^itude of the , used for hydrogen -50S- , GS the m^itude concentration was 45 OmM^ iT.83"011 was turned and the Were T,=ioos and T =2s " relaxation times for 13C those found at i sV" Th^ ^^ relaxation times are agent uses the relax "f * ^^ C°ntainin9 contrast tracking technique is '" ^ ^ When th& b°lus "as assumed to be in for Hyperpolarised helium
relaxation times were cnT ^ * 9aS ^ ' atm ^ the
et al. Magn Res in „ * *** ^ aCCOrdance with Bachert
the gas is present ,- •/ ' 192-19e (1996) when present ansxde the lungs, ■^ne short T (T *) • coefficient (Dss 2 J> -^ ^ ^ "^ Mgh dlffusi°^
m S ) Tho
magnetization was raised ' ma^itude of the helium
hydrogen. 50^Dol • ^ t0.15 times that used for -noentraUon \l ;5r;0^iOn «» —d and the
Two different puise ^
^dient echo seque„Ce F^sT^ ^ ""^ A ""
hydrogen image and th , "^ "^ t0 9ene«te the
-Suence parameters waV™/!"^' ^ h^^^ Pulse helium puIse seguence " TR/TE/a = 8" Sain of the H^ZZl™^"""3'- ^ enhancement during the lmaging process°n 1S ln th^ -«y divided
A RAJIE (Fast Sn' p
generate the »d . P * Echo) seguence was used to
E *-■ image p-j-v,^ .
ord« to simulate th„ ' ■ lnterleaves were used in
~2&-
"e situation found when imaging the

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heart using gating. The 13C magnetization behaved the same way as the He magnetization i.e. no new magnetization was generated due to T3-relaxation during the imaging process. During the calculation the 13C were modelled in the form of a bolus and between the interleave in the pulse sequence the excited magnetization was replaced with fresh magnetization. If a static object was imaged the sequence could have been performed as a single shot sequence without (due to the long T2 value) any loss in signal amplitude.
RESULTS
Hydrogen
In the proton image (Figure 5) , the helium and the 13C do not show up. The signal from the blood and contrast agent appears bright. The short TR and the relatively high flip angle makes the image strongly Tx-weighted. The muscle and the blood without contrast agent appears dark. The signal amplitude in the ROI was 129 and SNR = 107.
Helium
In the He-image (Figure 6) the proton and 13C do not show up. The signal from the helium appears bright and no background from other tissues are present. The short TR and the relatively low flip angle generated an image which in normal proton imaging would be considered as a spin density image. The signal amplitude in the ROI was 347 and SNR = 289.
Carbon-13
In the 13C-image (Figure 7) the protons and the helium do not show up. The signal from 13C appears bright and no background from other tissues is present. The selected RARE sequence may be considered T2-weighted. The image was generated using a multi shot technique but
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a single shot version would (due to the long T2-value)
result in the same signal
amplitude. The signal amplitude in the ROI was
2605 and SNR = 1737.
Conclusion
The generated signal amplitude and SNR values indicate the already recognised utility of helium as a contrast agent in lung imaging. If the gas was dissolved in blood the signal amplitude would drop considerably (Martin et al. , J. Mag. Res. Imaging, 1997, 1, 848-851) . The 13C image indicated that when the polarisation of enriched hydrogen is transferred to a 13C-atom in a suitable organic molecule images with high SNR may be generated. Due to the long 11 and T2, modern fast single shot sequences may be used. Whilst the 13C-fluid behaves as a bolus the long Tl will make it possible to reach the heart with only a moderate loss in signal amplitude even if it is administered by i.v. injection.
EXAMPLE 2
The following reactions are performed and produce the enhancement effects mentioned.
(A) Ph-C=CH + para-hydrogen and homogeneous rhodium catalyst (giving *H enhancement of about 200 and 2 0% conversion in about 20 seconds).
(B) EtOOC-C=C-COOEt + para-hydrogen and homogeneous rhodium catalyst, converting about 100% in about 20 seconds to the cis C=C product and giving 13C enhancement of about x -500.
(C) R-CH=CH-COOH + para-hydrogen and a resin bound rhodium catalyst in water, converting about 75% in 8 minutes to RCH2CHCOOH (where R is H or COOH) .
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- 40 -EXAMPLE 3
Low-field enhancement of the para-hydrogen signal
Acetylene dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester (0.5 g) with a natural abundance of 13C, and (bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene)[1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane] rhodium(I) tetrafluoroborate (O.l2mmol) in a solution of deuteroacetone (5 ml) was hydrogenated with hydrogen gas enriched in para-hydrogen (50%) for 40 seconds with a jacket temperature of 42°C in the hydrogenation reactor described above in connection with Figure 8 with the magnetic screen in place.
The solution was transferred to an nmr-tube and, following a 90° pulse, a spectrum was recorded at the 13C frequency in a 7T NMR-spectrometer within 2 0 seconds after the reaction was finished. The intensity of the signal was compared to a standard sample and was found to be 15 0 0 times the thermodynamic signal at 25° and 7T. It was necessary to detune the NMR-probe significantly to be able to perform proper excitations on such a highly polarized sample.
In another experiment' the sample solution was transferred to a glass vial and imaged using a standard RARE-sequence. The result is shown in Figure 14. As a comparison a new sample was hydrogenated in ambient field (80 micro-Tesla) and subjected to the same imaging scheme. No signal could be detected. The result is shown in Figure 15.
EXAMPLE 4
Imaging of the para-hydrogen enhanced signal in phantoms
Acetylene dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester (6 mmol) with a natural abundance of 13C, and (bicyclo
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[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene) [1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane] rhodium(I)
tetrafluoroborate (0.23mmol) in a solution of deuteroacetone (10 ml) was hydrogenated with hydrogen gas enriched in para-hydrogen (50%) for 40 seconds with a jacket temperature of 42°C in the hydrogenation reactor described above in connection with Figure 8 with the magnetic screen removed.
The sample was transferred to a vial and placed in the magnet of an imaging magnet and a picture was recorded within 3 0 seconds after the reaction was finished'. After Fourier transform, the image shown in Figure 16 was obtained and after calibration with a standard sample the signal enhancement was calculated to be 225 times the polarization obtained at equilibrium at 2.4 T and 20°C. The special pulse sequence described above and shown schematically in Figure 9 was used (90x-19.2ms,5 ms-(180y-10ms)x64). The focusing delay was set to 19.2 ms and the inter-echo delay was set to 10 ms.
EXAMPLE 5
Imaging of the para-hydrogen enhanced signal in rat
Acetylenene dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester-1-13C(99%) (6 mmol), and (bicyclo [2 . 2 .1] hepta-2 , 5-diene)[1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane]rhodium(I) tetrafluoroborate (0.23 mmol) in a solution of deuteroacetone (10 ml) was hydrogenated with hydrogen gas enriched in para-hydrogen (50%) for 40 seconds with a jacket temperature of 42°C in the hydrogenation reactor described above in connection with Figure 8 with the magnetic screen removed.
The hydrogenated sample was transferred .to a syringe and injected into the stomach of a rat. The rat was then placed in the imaging magnet and a picture was recorded using the same pulse sequence as above. As a
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sains
- 42 -reference, the proton image of the rat in the position was. also obtained, A control experiment wher-the pulse sequence was repeated after relaxation of the contrast agent was also performed. No image could be
detected in thi q r^qo T. „ _
cms case. The results are shown in Figures 10 to 13.
-Ml^

WE CLAIM:
1. A hydrogenation apparatus comprising a hydrogenation
chamber having a liquid outlet into a conduit leading to a liquid
droplet generator inlet to a solvent removal chamber,
said hydrogenation chamber having a hydrogen inlet and a solution inlet provided with a further liquid droplet generator,
said conduit including a catalyst removal chamber between said hydrogenation chamber and said solvent removal chamber and being provided with a liquid inlet, said solvent removal chamber being provided with a gas outlet and with a liquid outlet.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hydrogenation apparatus is further provided with magnetic shielding such that the magnetic field within at least part of said hydrogenation chamber and/or within at least part of said conduit is 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said magnetic field is 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said magnetic field is 5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said conduit is provided a liquid inlet between said hydrogenation chamber and said catalyst removal chamber.
Dated this 24th day of October, 2001.
N (JAYANTA PAL)
OF REMFRY & SAGAR
ATTORNEY FOR^PHE APPLICANTS
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Documents:

910-MUMNP-2005-CANCELLED PAGES(5-10-2009).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-CLAIMS(5-10-2009).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-claims(complete)-(17-8-2005).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-claims(granted)-(9-11-2010).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-claims.doc

910-mumnp-2005-claims.pdf

910-mumnp-2005-correspondence(1-10-2009).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE(15-10-2009).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE(16-8-2005).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE(27-5-2009).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE(5-10-2009).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-correspondence(ipo)-(9-11-2010).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-correspondence-others.pdf

910-mumnp-2005-correspondence-received-160805.pdf

910-mumnp-2005-correspondence-received.pdf

910-mumnp-2005-descripiton (complete).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-description(complete)-(17-8-2005).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-DESCRIPTION(COMPLETE)-(5-10-2009).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-description(granted)-(9-11-2010).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-drawing(amended)-(5-10-2009).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-drawing(granted)-(9-11-2010).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-drawings.pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form 1(1-1-2008).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form 1(17-8-2005).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-FORM 1(5-10-2009).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form 13(1-1-2008).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form 13(27-5-2009).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form 2(complete)-(17-8-2005).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form 2(granted)-(9-11-2010).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(5-10-2009).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form 2(title page)-(amended)-(1-1-2008).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form 2(title page)-(complete)-(17-8-2005).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form 2(title page)-(granted)-(9-11-2010).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form 3(17-8-2005).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-FORM 3(5-10-2009).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form 5(17-8-2005).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-FORM 5(5-10-2009).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form-1.pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form-18.pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form-2.doc

910-mumnp-2005-form-2.pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form-3.pdf

910-mumnp-2005-form-5.pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-OTHER DOCUMENT(5-10-2009).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-PETITION UNDER RULE 137(5-10-2009).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-POWER OF AUTHORITY(5-10-2009).pdf

910-MUMNP-2005-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT(5-10-2009).pdf

910-mumnp-2005-wo international publication report(17-8-2005).pdf

abstract1.jpg


Patent Number 243847
Indian Patent Application Number 910/MUMNP/2005
PG Journal Number 46/2010
Publication Date 12-Nov-2010
Grant Date 09-Nov-2010
Date of Filing 17-Aug-2005
Name of Patentee GE HEALTHCARE AS
Applicant Address NYCOVEIEN 1-2,P.O. Box 4220 Nydalen, N-0401, OSLO,
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 OSKAR AXELSSON C/O NYCOMED INNOVATION AB, MEDEON MALMO, PER ALBIN HANSSONS VAG 41, S-205 12 MALMO,
2 CHARLOTTE OLOFSSON C/O NYCOMED INNOVATION AB, MEDEON MALMO, PER ALBIN HANSSONS VAG 41, S-205 12 MALMO,
3 AXEL MORGENSTJERNE DANGAARDSVEJ 6, 11TH DK-2800 LYNGBY,
4 GEORG HANSSON C/O NYCOMED INNOVATION AB, MEDEON MALMO, PER ALBIN HANSSONS VAG 41, S-205 12 MALMO,
5 HAUKAR JOHANNESSON C/O NYCOMED INNOVATION AB, MEDEON MALMO, PER ALBIN HANSSONS VAG 41, S-205 12 MALMO,
6 JAN HEARIK ARDENKJAER-LARSEN C/O NYCOMED INNOVATION AB, MEDEON MALMO, PER ALBIN HANSSONS VAG 41, S-205 12 MALMO,
PCT International Classification Number A61K49/08,A61K49/18,G01R33/28
PCT International Application Number PCT/GB00/01897
PCT International Filing date 2000-05-17
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 9911681.6 1999-05-19 U.K.